Hi everyone,

My name is Tom, and I’m fundraising for my brother-in-law, Tom, my sister, Sophie, and their three young children, Louis (4), Otto (1) and Pippin (5 months).

In August, just four days after their youngest son was born, their world was turned upside down when Tom, aged 36, suffered a severe and completely unexpected stroke. Those who know Tom know him as a devoted husband and father, and a dedicated teacher. He has been in hospital ever since.

Since then, Tom has made encouraging progress. However, his discharge has been postponed several times as he is responding well to the therapy (now March). While this progress is something we are grateful for, it has meant prolonged uncertainty - and throughout this entire time, Sophie has been managing alone. She has moved back home with our parents to help care for their boys and is trying her best to navigate a situation no young family ever imagines facing.

On top of the shock and fear, the timing has brought huge practical challenges. The stroke happened while Tom was between jobs, meaning they have suddenly lost their income at the exact moment they needed stability the most.

We are so proud of the progress Tom has already made but the truth is, none of us know what long-term support or therapy he will need once he’s discharged, to continue improving day by day.

What we do know is that early, consistent rehab makes a life-changing difference and our hope is to give Tom the very best chance to continue building a full and meaningful life with his family. Unfortunately, community support through the NHS is limited and specialist neuro-rehab is expensive, especially the kind of specialised therapy that can really transform recovery. We really want to ensure the progress Tom is currently making can only continue once he is home.

So I’ve decided to do what I can. I’ve set myself the challenge of running a series of races to raise the funds they’ll need to support his recovery - starting with Kingston Half Marathon I completed before Christmas, and with more lined up in the months ahead.

Every mile I run is for them. I’ll keep running race after race, mile after mile, because Tom doesn’t get to give up his fight, so neither will I. Every finish line I cross is a reminder of the finish line we are all praying he’ll reach.

If you are able to help with a donation or by simply sharing this page, it would mean the world to us. No matter how small a donation, it will go directly towards ongoing specialist neuro-rehab for Tom as well as practical and emotional support for Sophie and their boys during his recovery.

Their family is going through something unimaginable. Thank you so much for reading, sharing and for cheering me on. While the road ahead looks different, every little bit of support helps give Tom, Sophie, Louis, Otto and Pip the best possible chance to keep moving forward.

Your kindness genuinely means the world to us.

Tom